Hamilton clocks in 10th on Forbes 'Highest-Paid Athletes of the Decade' list

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Lewis Hamilton has been F1's top-earner for many years, but the six-time world champion only clocks in 10th on Forbes' 'Highest-Paid Athletes of the Decade' list.

Hamilton's decision to leave McLaren and join Mercedes at the end of 2012 was seen by many at the time as a high-risk move.

But it turned out to be a masterstroke for the Briton who was rewarded with five world titles and massive financial gratification.

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However, when it came to the mega bucks earned by the world's top athletes in the past ten years, Hamilton was but a distant 10th, with earnings totaling $400 million since 2010.

Forbes puts Hamilton's current Mercedes retainer at 40 million pounds - or about $51.84 million but labels the 84-time Grand Prix winner as "the most marketable athlete in the world".

While racing in F1 is a full-time job, boxing involves just a handful of appearances for its top stars, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. The latter topped Forbes' list with Mayweather raking in a staggering $915 million since 2010!

Behind sport's number one earner, soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was second on the list with a hefty $800 million while Barcelona football star Lionel Messi was third on the podium with a healthy $750 million?

Trailing the trio are basketball player and LA Lakers star LeBron James ($680 million), tennis superstar Roger Federer (6$640 million), golfers Tiger Woods ($615 million) and Phil Mickelson ($480 million), Manny Pacquiao ($435 million), the NBA Brooklyn Net's Kevin Durant ($425 million) and Hamilton ($400 million).

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.